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How-to · Step-by-step

How to dispute an error on your UK credit report

In short. Get free statutory reports from all three UK credit reference agencies, identify the error, raise a 'Notice of Correction' or formal dispute with the agency, and complain to the Information Commissioner's Office if the lender refuses to fix it.

Errors on a credit file are common and can affect mortgage and credit applications. Every UK credit reference agency must give you a free statutory report on request, and must investigate disputes within 28 days under the Data Protection Act.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 1 hour·Cost: Free

What you'll need

  • Proof of identity
  • Account references or statements showing what's wrong
  • A copy of your report from all three agencies

The steps

  1. 01

    Get your free statutory credit reports

    All three agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — must give you a free statutory report on request. You can also use free consumer services (e.g. Experian's free account, ClearScore for Equifax, Credit Karma for TransUnion) for ongoing access.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Identify the error

    Check for accounts that aren't yours, settled debts shown as outstanding, incorrect default dates, the wrong electoral roll status or a financial association with someone you've separated from.

  3. 03

    Raise the dispute with the credit reference agency

    Each agency has an online dispute form. Be specific — quote the account reference, what's wrong and what it should say. Attach evidence (a settlement letter, account statement, court order).

  4. 04

    Wait for the agency to investigate

    By law the agency contacts the lender and must respond within 28 days. While it's being investigated, the disputed entry is flagged so it doesn't affect new applications.

  5. 05

    Add a Notice of Correction if needed

    If the lender insists the entry is correct but you disagree, you can add a free 200-word Notice of Correction to your file explaining the context. Lenders must read it during manual underwriting.

  6. 06

    Escalate if the lender refuses to fix a real error

    Complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (for the lender) or the Information Commissioner's Office (for the agency or for data accuracy issues). Both are free.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Use the free statutory route — never pay a 'credit repair' firm to do this for you
  • Some 'errors' are factual records you don't like (e.g. a real missed payment) — those can't be removed
  • Joint financial associations linger — request a disassociation if you've separated

FAQ

How long do errors take to remove?
Up to 28 days for the credit reference agency to investigate. If the lender agrees there was an error, the entry is removed or amended; if not, you can add a Notice of Correction immediately and escalate to the regulator.
Do all three agencies share data?
No. Lenders pick which agencies they report to, so an error may appear on one report but not another. Always check all three.
Will the dispute hurt my score?
No. Raising a dispute is your statutory right and is not visible to lenders. While the entry is under investigation it is marked as disputed and does not influence scoring.
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